Wrestling

I didn't often go to the wrestling matches in high school. I tended to spend my time with artistic pursuits. When I did go to a meet, I discovered some awesome athleticism and some moves that I didn't think were humanly possible. I also discovered that the "Slap!" on the mat meant that someone walked away feeling strong and in control. I've never been on the wrestling mat myself, and don't care to start now; at least, I'll never be there physically. I find myself there in my spirit more often than I like. I'm wrestling again, only this time, it seems that I'm blindfolded. I honestly don't know with whom I'm wrestling. Maybe it's myself.

I've recently been challenged with the 20th Century Christian mantra, "Don't drink, dance, smoke or chew or go with guys who do." Along with that short list came the whole evil inventory of movies, cards, pool, syncopated music, etc. Recently, I've been reading from various authors that hold scripture up against the litany of rules and challenge me to explain how it all fits together; and telling me that I likely can't. Oh, they're not talking to me personally, but they might as well be. While I'm not loaded with rules (or at least, I don't think I am), I'm finding this discussion somewhat unsettling. I might have to adjust my thinking. Those that know me well know that this is not a welcome prospect.

An area that has repeatedly come up in Christians' discussions is the whole world of the arts as it relates to what's good, what's not, what will rob us of our sanctification and what activities will result in the golden award as a fabulous Christian. Known as an "artsy", I find these discussions particularly relevant. As people who are called to be holy, how do we live? Is is possible to actually honour God with our movie viewing, music performance and enjoyment, poetry and drawing? Maybe I'll go back to Francis Schaeffer and read, "How Should We Then Live". Of course, I could always reread the Bible. I'm sure it has something to say to all of this.

I'm wrestling with this. I don't think I want anyone slapping the mat for me on this one. I think I'd just like to step back, look around and figure out what the issues really are. What is God's call on our lives as 21st century Christians? At the risk of sounding cliché, maybe God is calling us to start with our character.